Tony Cervero

Assistant Superintendent

Developing Passionate Follower of Jesus Christ has been the passion of Tony Cervero during his 32 years of ministry. Tony comes to District Leadership with a strong conviction to inspire powerful spirit-filled ministry that establishes multi-racial, multi-generational, and multi-ethnic Pentecostal Churches. For the past 16 years, he led the wonderful congregation at Ventura First Assembly of God as Lead Pastor. The Church grew by establishing strong prayer ministries, a growing missions emphasis, an effective Spiritual Formation program, innovative outreaches, and strong passionate worship. As a pastor, Tony led with a balanced approach to Spirit-Filled ministry fusing spiritual formation and spiritual experience. First Assembly blazed new trails in effectively serving its community by using its resources to meet the needs of their community. A Tutoring and Resource Center (Clear Focus) for ADD, ADHD, Autistic, and Dyslexic students; a developmental Preschool; Convoy of Hope; and inner-city and Hispanic outreaches are some examples of the ways that members live out their faith in Jesus Christ. Tony founded and is president of the Miracle League of Ventura County, a sports and outreach program for physically and mentally challenged youth and children.

Tony has served the Southern California District as Executive Presbyter for Region 2, District Presbyter for the Central Coast Section, and was a member of the Board of Trustees at Vanguard University of Southern California.

Before coming to California, Tony was pastor in Princeton, NJ serving a congregation that was located next to Princeton University from 1986 to 1993. He also served as the Assistant Director of our denomination’s National Youth Department coordinating the leaders of all national ministries and evangelism as well as laying the foundation for a National Youth Discipleship program.

Tony has worked to plant and supervise the turnaround of several churches. Ventura First planted and parented Puente de Vida, a vibrant congregation with an emphasis in outreach and community transformation. Most recently, he has supervised church turnaround projects in Camarillo, CA (Hillside Assembly) and Fillmore, CA (First A/G).

Tony has an earned doctorate from Fuller Theological Seminary (2007 – Doctor of Ministry) in Pasadena, CA; a Master of Divinity from the Assemblies of God Theological Seminary (1981); and a B.A. in Biblical Studies from Evangel University (1978).

Tony and his wife, June, have been married since 1991 and have three wonderful children: Annabella (15), Anthony (12), and Isabella (8). They are the greatest treasure of his life.

Portfolio

Oversight of AG World Missions and Missionaries from Southern California
Oversight and direction of U.S. Missions within the SoCal District
Administrative oversight for all District Approved Ministries
Development and oversight of church health and spiritual development
Administrative and development oversight of the SoCal Internship Ministry
Oversight and direction for lay training and development of church boards, trustees, etc.
Oversight and direction for Minister and Church transitions
Give administrative oversight for all District Church Ministries:
- Chi-Alpha
- Girl’s Ministries
- Kid’s Ministries
- Men / Light for the Lost
- Ministry Wives
- Royal Rangers
- Second Half Ministries
- Women’s Ministries
- Youth / Next Gen
Oversight and direction for the “Ministers Training Days” for Credential Applicants
Administrative oversight the “Women in Ministry”
Oversight and direction for the pastoral care and discipleship
Involvement in preaching ministry as assigned or requested
Providing counseling to ministers and their families as assigned by the Superintendent
Presiding over business meetings for local churches and board meetings as requested or assigned
Participating in out-of-district ministry as requested, including mission trips and General Council assignments
Involvement in Leadership Forums as requested or assigned
Participating in District committees as assigned
Writing for periodicals and various publications as assigned or requested
Other roles as determined by the Superintendent

Contact Information

Tony Cervero, Assistant Superintendent
Phone: 949.252.8400
Email: tcervero@socalag.org